Coldenham House had saved me – that was certain. Gran and I walked up the path, our skirts swishing as we headed toward the timber-framed building. Bay, latticed windows were set either side of the wide oak door. People busied around me in the garden, all in full costume, setting up stalls for the re-enactment day. I waved to Maggie, sitting with her spinning wheel in an open-fronted tent on the lawn. The smell of smoked meat drifted over. Johnny must be here, then. I loved this community and next year I would be allowed to join Gran on the committee as a youth representative.
‘ I’ m going to look around,’ I told Gran and began searching for one of my favourite people ever. Rose always showed up for the Tudor re-enactment days, just like I always came with Gran. Now … where was she?
An enthusiastic hand waved across the crowd. I smiled and waved back as Rose dashed over, her apron flapping and tangled brown hair floating behind her.
‘ I hoped you would come,’ she said, smiling.‘ I always will,’ I replied.‘ You might not be able to soon.’ Her face darkened.‘ Did you hear Coldenham House might have to close?’
No! What would I do without this place? Since Mum had married Dave and we’ d struggled to get on, I’ d rebuilt my life – moving out to live with Gran in a new house, a new town, absorbing myself in her fascination with the Tudors. Rose was the first friend I’ d made here – two lonely girls who found each other. And I knew Coldenham House meant the world to her, too.
‘ It always costs so much to repair,’ Rose said sadly.‘ I overheard the manager, Mr Edwards, speaking.’ She put her hands on her hips.‘ There’ s something about him … something I can’ t quite put my finger on.’
I rubbed my forehead.‘ But Mr Russell left a load of money in his will going back a while. They can’ t have spent that already?’‘ There he goes,’ whispered Rose. Mr Edwards, slender and smart in his brown suit, walked towards the house, a folder in one hand. He glanced around at the bustling merriment and slipped inside, probably unnoticed by everyone. Except us.
‘ We should follow him,’ said Rose,
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